How to Replace a Hub Assembly | O’Reilly Auto Parts | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Skip to content

Hub assemblies and bearings can suffer damage that require replacement, including worn bearings, worn or damaged wheel studs, a failing integrated wheel speed sensor, and more. If you notice noise from the wheel end, if the hub or bearing seems especially hot, or if your wheel is wobbling or seems loose, your hub assembly may need to be replaced. These general instructions are intended to help you understand how to service most hub assemblies, but be sure to know the specifications for your vehicle before getting started. When you’re ready to replace your hub assembly, visit O’Reilly Auto Parts for the parts, tools, and advice you need to get the job done right. .

Tools & Materials List

Step-by-Step Instructions

Additional Resources

The hub assembly on your vehicle contains the hub and wheel bearing that mounts the wheel and allows it to turn freely. In some cases, hubs may simply be a bearing that allows the wheel to rotate. In the case of driven wheels, the hub assembly on your vehicle may also have splines to connect to a CV axle or axle shaft to allow power to reach the hub and wheels. Many hub assemblies also house a wheel speed sensor that provides information to the engine computer and ABS module to keep your vehicle driving at its best.

Hub assemblies and bearings can suffer damage that require replacement, including worn bearings, worn or damaged wheel studs, a failing integrated wheel speed sensor, and more. If you notice noise from the wheel end, if the hub or bearing seems especially hot, or if your wheel is wobbling or seems loose, your hub assembly may need to be replaced. These general instructions are intended to help you understand how to service most hub assemblies, but be sure to know the specifications for your vehicle before getting started. When you’re ready to replace your hub assembly, visit O’Reilly Auto Parts for the parts, tools, and advice you need to get the job done right.

Show More Show Less

In two images, our expert chocks the wheels of a 2014 Nissa Altima and uses a breaker bar and socket to loosen the front wheel’s lug nuts.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

Park on a level surface. Chock the wheels at the opposite end of the vehicle from where you’ll be working, then loosen the wheel lugs.

Show More Show Less

In three images, our expert lifts the front end of the Altima and stablizes it, and removes the lug nuts and wheel.

Lift and support the corner where you’ll be replacing the hub assembly. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.

Show More Show Less

In two images, the cotter pin is removed using a needlenose pliers.

Step 2: Remove Your Axle Nut

Remove and discard the cotter pin from the axle nut.

Show More Show Less

The nut retainer is removed using a breaker bar and axle nut socket.

Remove the nut retainer. Use a breaker bar and axle nut socket to loosen and remove the axle nut. Have a friend step on the brake pedal to keep it from spinning if needed.

Show More Show Less

In two images, our expert uses their breaker bar to remove the brake caliper.

Step 3: Remove Brake Components

Use a ratchet or breaker bar and sockets to remove the brake caliper and hang it out of the way, making sure there’s no pressure on the brake hose. If your caliper is in a bracket, both the caliper and bracket will need to be removed.

Show More Show Less

The rotor is removed from the hub.

Remove the rotor. If there’s a wheel sensor bolt, remove the bolt and the wheel sensor from the steering knuckle.

Show More Show Less

In two images, a hub press is used to separate the hub bearing and the axle shaft.

Step 4: Separate Axle Shaft

Use a front wheel drive hub press to separate the axle shaft from the hub bearing. Once the hub puller is attached to the hub, make sure it’s tight.

Use a ¾” or 19mm wrench or ratchet and socket to turn the shaft clockwise and apply pressure to the axle shaft until it’s pressed all the way through the hub. Once it’s through, be sure not to move the axle shaft to an extreme angle, or let it hang without support.

Show More Show Less

In two images, the old hub assembly is removed from the vehicle.

Step 5: Remove Your Old Hub Assembly

Use a breaker bar and sockets to loosen and remove the hub and bearing assembly bolts. Remove your splash guard if needed. Now you should be able to remove the hub assembly from the steering knuckle.

Show More Show Less

In two images, the new hub assembly is installed.

Step 6: Install Your New Hub Assembly

Install your new hub assembly to the steering knuckle, making sure to align the cutout in the sensor rotor cover with the wheel sensor mounting hole.

Show More Show Less

In two images, our expert reinstalls the hub and bearing assembly bolts using a breaker bar.

Step 7: Reinstall Hub Assembly Bolts and Rotor

Reinstall the hub and bearing assembly bolts and use a torque wrench to tighten them to manufacturer specifications.

If you removed your splash guard, you can reinstall it now. If you removed a wheel sensor, use the bolt you removed earlier to reinstall it.

Reinstall your rotor.

Show More Show Less

The brake components are reinstalled to the hub and tightened using a breaker bar.

Step 8: Reinstall Brake Components

Reinstall your caliper, or caliper and bracket, and tighten the bolts to manufacturer specifications.

Do It Right: Don’t forget to remove your caliper hanger!

Show More Show Less

The axle nut is reinstalled to the new hub.

Step 9: Reinstall Your Axle Nut

Reinstall the axle nut and tighten it to manufacturer specification. Have a friend put a foot on the brake pedal if needed.

Show More Show Less

A new axle nut retainer and new cotter pin is installed onto the hub assembly.

Install a new retainer and cotter pin on the axle nut.

Show More Show Less

The wheel that was worked on during this tutorial is reinstalled and the lug nuts are tightened, but not entirely.

Step 10: Replace Your Wheels

Put your wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts until the wheel is flush against the rotor.

Show More Show Less

In two images, our expert lowers the Altima and removes the wheel chocks.

Step 11: Tighten Your Lug Nuts

Lower the vehicle and remove the wheel chocks.

Show More Show Less

With the Altima level, our expert tightens the lug nuts fully now.

Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to manufacturer specifications.

Show More Show Less

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.

Show More Show Less